Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Marelize Boeije.
The deteriorating state of road infrastructure in Moqhaka Local Municipality is becoming a significant obstacle to economic growth, impacting local businesses, residents, and the overall prosperity of the community resulting in job-shedding.
Moqhaka has long been a thriving hub for commerce and innovation, but the state of roads is undermining its economic potential. The ongoing deterioration is not only a nuisance but a barrier to progress, with adverse consequences for businesses, investors, and the overall quality of life for our residents. Please see pictures here, here and here.
Orpen and Fowler Street in Kroonstad, Suidrand is one of the many roads in the municipality that need urgent attention, these roads lead to the oil refineries that form a big part of the local economy.
We have found key issues following an expansive oversight of road conditions in Moqhaka:
- Many local businesses are struggling to transport goods efficiently, resulting in increased costs and reduced competitiveness.
- Holiday resorts that can attract tourism but due to poor road conditions suffer a decline in tourist visits.
- Local businesses are facing higher operating costs due to vehicle maintenance, increased fuel consumption, and delivery delays.
- Potential investors are turning away due to the unpredictable and costly nature of operating in an area with poor road infrastructure.
- The state of our roads also poses significant safety concerns, with an increase in accidents and damage to vehicles, posing a threat to the well-being of our community members.
It is shocking that the municipality fails to recognise the urgency of the matter, considering the daily struggle faced by South Africans who go to bed hungry due to their inability to afford basic necessities or are forced to allocate the majority of their income to cover escalating transport costs due to the state of our roads. Additionally, residents are struggling with car problems due to crumbling roads, the only solution from the municipality is to cover roads with gravel, and these temporary solutions wash away with the first rain.
We call upon the municipality to prioritize the rehabilitation and maintenance of our road network. Therefore, we will raise Rule 38 questions in the council to ensure answers are received on what steps are being taken to solve this crisis. A well-maintained road infrastructure will not only alleviate the aforementioned problems but also pave the way for enhanced connectivity, prosperity, job creation and overall economic development.